Note: Citations are based on reference standards. However, formatting rules can vary widely between applications and fields of interest or study. The specific requirements or preferences of your reviewing publisher, classroom teacher, institution or organization should be applied.

Sustainable luxury : the new Singapore House, solutions for a livable future

Singapore is celebrated as one of the most livable cities in Asia, and "Sustainable Luxury" shows how the prosperous, forward-looking nation is pioneering innovative solutions for environmental, economic, social, and cultural issues faced the world over. Dr. Paul McGillick, the author of The Sustainable Asian House (Tuttle, 2013), presents twenty-seven recent residential projects created by Singapore's most talented architects to address the many complex and interconnected aspects of sustainability. Some of the homes featured here emphasize environmental needs, while others are concerned with preserving cultural traditions or supporting societal and interpersonal needs--such as extended family dwellings. Each residence, however, exhibits solutions developed from a holistic point of view. These homes typically embrace the tropical climate rather than fight it, and illustrate how smart manipulation of air flows, light, shade, water, and landscaping sustain higher levels of comfort without resorting to air-conditioning. In addition to profiling individual residences, "Sustainable Luxury" looks at the big picture, canvassing the most pressing issues--including changing demographics and lifestyles--and examining the available solutions. Anyone concerned with the future of our world will be fascinated by the houses presented here and the ways in which Singapore is leading the way in the development of residential architecture that is as luxurious as it is sustainable.Read more...

Abstract:

Singapore is celebrated as one of the most livable cities in Asia, and "Sustainable Luxury" shows how the prosperous, forward-looking nation is pioneering innovative solutions for environmental, economic, social, and cultural issues faced the world over. Dr. Paul McGillick, the author of The Sustainable Asian House (Tuttle, 2013), presents twenty-seven recent residential projects created by Singapore's most talented architects to address the many complex and interconnected aspects of sustainability. Some of the homes featured here emphasize environmental needs, while others are concerned with preserving cultural traditions or supporting societal and interpersonal needs--such as extended family dwellings. Each residence, however, exhibits solutions developed from a holistic point of view. These homes typically embrace the tropical climate rather than fight it, and illustrate how smart manipulation of air flows, light, shade, water, and landscaping sustain higher levels of comfort without resorting to air-conditioning. In addition to profiling individual residences, "Sustainable Luxury" looks at the big picture, canvassing the most pressing issues--including changing demographics and lifestyles--and examining the available solutions. Anyone concerned with the future of our world will be fascinated by the houses presented here and the ways in which Singapore is leading the way in the development of residential architecture that is as luxurious as it is sustainable.

Reviews

Editorial reviews

Publisher Synopsis

"McGillick proposes an expanded framework of sustainability that addresses not only environmental concerns but economic and social factors as well. Sustainable Luxury curates a selection of recent residential architecture in Singapore that fit within this framework. The projects can be broadly categorized into conservation houses, strata residences, and single landed dwellings. Without going into specifics, these are exceptional architectural work from the offices of architectural doyens such as Richard Ho, Yip Yuen Hong and Mok Wei Wei, as well as the newer generation of architects such as Randy Chan and Chang Yong Ter." --d+a (design and architecture) magazine "Much like in his previous book, Dr McGillick's latest offering features houses that turn the common notion of sustainability on its head, beyond just looking at green features. [...] The 224-page hardcover book is filled with stylish pictures of the exteriors and interiors of the homes, taken by Singapore-based award-winning photographer Masano Kawana, who specialises in architecture, interior and food photography." --The Straits Times "McGillick examines a stunning selection of Singapore's contemporary domestic high-end architecture and how it represents that vibrant city and its ethnically diverse inhabitants. [...] McGillick's unusually extensive descriptions accompanying Kawana's evocative photos offers insightful context that will help North American readers understand, and maybe envy the affluence, vitality, and East-West mingling reflected in these homes." --Publishers WeeklyRead more...